Short Description
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the Z-Morh tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir, bolstering year-round access to the scenic Sonamarg region and strengthening critical infrastructure in Ladakh.
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Approximately 4 minutes
Main Article
On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the 6.5-kilometer Z-Morh tunnel in Ganderbal district, Jammu and Kashmir. This pivotal infrastructure project, built at a cost of ₹2,400 crore, will significantly enhance accessibility to the picturesque Sonamarg tourist resort, allowing visitors to enjoy its natural beauty throughout the year, regardless of seasonal weather changes. The event was witnessed by Union Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, demonstrating the project’s importance to regional connectivity and development.
The Z-Morh tunnel serves as a critical link on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, ensuring reliable road access to the Ladakh region. Construction of the tunnel began in May 2015, and its completion was marked by a soft launch in February 2024. With an elevation of 8,650 feet, this strategic two-lane tunnel not only provides a smoother travel experience for civilians but also serves vital national defense requirements. Alongside another key project, the Zojila tunnel, currently under construction and scheduled for completion by 2028, the Z-Morh tunnel will reduce travel distances and enhance vehicle speeds between Srinagar and Ladakh.
Equipped with advanced technology, the Z-Morh tunnel is designed to facilitate improved communication and travel efficiency. It boasts a 7.5-meter-wide emergency escape passage, ensuring safety and swift access during emergencies. Officials from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) state that this newly inaugurated infrastructure will create a robust transport network, boosting economic opportunities while ensuring socio-cultural development across Jammu and Kashmir and the broader Ladakh region.
The combined impact of the Z-Morh and Zojila tunnels is expected to diminish the route distance from 49 kilometers to 43 kilometers and elevate vehicle speeds from 30 km/h to 70 km/h. These enhancements will significantly improve the logistics of defense and facilitate the movement of resources in these strategically important areas. The opening of this tunnel represents a significant leap towards a more connected and developed region.
Short Summary
The inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel by PM Modi marks a transformative development for Jammu and Kashmir, enhancing year-round accessibility to Sonamarg and significantly aiding in the connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh. This infrastructure project, alongside the Zojila tunnel, is poised to drive economic growth and strengthen national defense logistics in the region.
